Desktop Amp for B&O H6 (v1) - Under USD 200

[WoodyLuvr]

Looking for a new small desktop headphone amp to drive my new B&O H6s via an Asus Xonar DX sound card.
 
I had the JDS Labs O2 until an out-of-country/continent friend permanently borrowed it from me a few months back... so I have yet had the opportunity of driving these H6s with an amp but if I am not mistaken that it may help them some as they are a tad hard to drive at 30 ohms - 97 dB/mW... what say you?
 
Is the O2 still pretty much the king of the budget pile or is there something else someone would recommend?
 
I would be interested in an USB powered option if at all possible and was considering the Schiit Fulla 2 (USB powered) but a bit hesitant about the Fulla 2 after the number of complaints about the finish quality and crooked volume knobs (that would drive me insane!).  The Magni 2 is another consideration along with the JDS Labs C5D.
 
Cheers,
 
*** UPDATE ***
As per PurpleAngel I just installed the latest UNi Xonar drivers with an astoundingly awesome improvement in listening!  No need for an amp now as 22-25% on the volume is kicking my butt and the sound is dramatically improved and clearer.  My H6s and ears are happy now.   I can't believe the dramatic difference... clarity, impact, and the bass is more detailed and lower sounding... even the timbre is better!  Thank you PurpleAngel!

 

[HipHopScribe]

If you're worried about the Fulla 2, you could just go with a Modi+Magni

 

[WoodyLuvr]

  If you're worried about the Fulla 2, you could just go with a Modi+Magni

Already have the DAC but am seriously considering the Magni 2... a fairly small form factor amp; just not usb powered which isn't a game changer though.  Just want to see what my options are.

 

[s002wjh]

how loud do you listen too?  I have V2, I never found the need for DAC/AMP.

 

[HipHopScribe]

  Already have the DAC but am seriously considering the Magni 2... a fairly small form factor amp; just not usb powered which isn't a game changer though.  Just want to see what my options are.

 
 
If you just need an amp, you'll definitely be better off with a Magni 2 or maybe a Vali 2 than with a Fulla 2. It's great as a cheap DAC/Amp, but the amp is arguably the weak point 

 

[WoodyLuvr]

  how loud do you listen too?  I have V2, I never found the need for DAC/AMP.

Apparently, the Version 2s are easier to drive and don't need to be amped.  At the time of buying I was uninformed and did not realize there were two versions available and ended up by chance buying the v1.  Just wondering if the low end would improve any with an amp... not saying the low end is weak now just pondering the possibility that an amp could eke out another 5-10% in performance.  Unfortunately, my O2 headphone amp is a whore and on another continent currently...  

 

[PurpleAngel]

  Apparently, the Version 2s are easier to drive and don't need to be amped.  At the time of buying I was uninformed and did not realize there were two versions available and ended up by chance buying the v1.  Just wondering if the low end would improve any with an amp... not saying the low end is weak now just pondering the possibility that an amp could eke out another 5-10% in performance.  Unfortunately, my O2 headphone amp is a whore and on another continent currently...  

 
i would think the O2 (Objective 2) or Magni would serve you fine.
Here is a slightly used O2 for $95
http://www.ebay.com/itm/112295308204?_trksid=p2060353.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT
 
Hopefully you disabled the motherboard's on-board audio, in the BIOS, when you installed the Xonar DX.
Have you tried the Unified Xonar Drivers.
http://maxedtech.com/asus-xonar-unified-drivers/
 
The Xonar DX with it's CS4398 DAC chip makes a decent DAC, can't see a good reason for replacing it, at least not for a reasonable amount of money.

 

[WoodyLuvr]

Haven't messed with the unified drivers yet as I am on Windows 10 which isn't fully supported yet; will surely do once 100% compatibility has been reached.
 
You know I need to check that about my motherboard audio settings in BIOS... I don't know if my GB H170N has that option or not.  Cheers.

 

[PurpleAngel]

  Haven't messed with the unified drivers yet as I am on Windows 10 which isn't fully supported yet; will surely do once 100% compatibility has been reached.
 
You know I need to check that about my motherboard audio settings in BIOS... I don't know if my GB H170N has that option or not.  Cheers.

 
In the BIOS, the on-board audio setting might be listed as "HD Audio Controller", or something close to that.
Guess it not too big a deal if it's left enabled, but I like to disabled it just to make Windows job a little easier.

 

[WoodyLuvr]

   
i would think the O2 (Objective 2) or Magni would serve you fine.
 

@PurpleAngel  In your opinion, what exactly would I be gaining by plugging my B&O H6s (30 ohms - 97 dB/mW) into a Schiit Magni 2 amp (<1 ohm) instead of directly into my Asus Xonar DX line out (~100 ohms)?  Improved low end?

 

[PurpleAngel]

  @PurpleAngel  In your opinion, what exactly would I be gaining by plugging my B&O H6s (30 ohms - 97 dB/mW) into a Schiit Magni 2 amp (<1 ohm) instead of directly into my Asus Xonar DX line out (~100 ohms)?  Improved low end?

 
I would assume plugging the H6 headphones directly into the Xonar DX gives the H6 a bloated (louder, less detailed) bass.
So plugging the H6 into an amplifer with a low output impedance should give a tighter and more controlled bass.
Mid range might also sound better.

 

[WoodyLuvr]

   
I would assume plugging the H6 headphones directly into the Xonar DX gives the H6 a bloated (louder, less detailed) bass.
So plugging the H6 into an amplifer with a low output impedance should give a tighter and more controlled bass.
Mid range might also sound better.

Appreciate the feedback.  Cheers.

 

[WoodyLuvr]

Please see my UPDATE in the first post.  Cheers.

 

[WoodyLuvr]

   
i would think the O2 (Objective 2) or Magni would serve you fine.
Here is a slightly used O2 for $95
http://www.ebay.com/itm/112295308204?_trksid=p2060353.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT
 
Hopefully you disabled the motherboard's on-board audio, in the BIOS, when you installed the Xonar DX.
Have you tried the Unified Xonar Drivers.
http://maxedtech.com/asus-xonar-unified-drivers/
 
The Xonar DX with it's CS4398 DAC chip makes a decent DAC, can't see a good reason for replacing it, at least not for a reasonable amount of money.

Oh my, what a difference this has made switching over to the UNi Xonar drivers... again, many thanks PurpleAngel